Provide Protection Through an Education Program

In commemoration of November's "Children's Month", Childhope Philippines Foundation holds its annual music celebration dubbed as " MusiKalye 2018: A Showcase of Talents by Rocked/ Mobile Music School" last November 17 at Saint Vincent Hall, Adamson University, Manila.

It was the biggest music festival and biggest gathering of street children who were underwent in RockEd/ Mobile Music School sessions throughout the year.

A total of 103 street children from Childhope's area in Metro Manila performed in one stage and showcased their God-given talents in dancing, singing, and playing musical instruments. The street children shared their talents in music as gratitude for your support.

RockEd / Mobile Music School is one of the Skill Development Programs of Childhope which aims to empower street children, develop their skills, and to inspire them to build positive character and confidence.

Christian Quintana, RockEd participants, share his story why he join the program, "I joined RockEd/ Mobile Music School because I really wanted to sing. Though, there are lot of people always says that I do not know how to sing and I cannot do it.. But still our Street Educators encourge I to join RockEd where they can help me sing better".

"As their mentor, I am really impressed of their talents and I am so happy for these children because they are actually out of their comfort-zone. Apart from the talents they had shown to us, I also happy for their developments.... Specifically the confidence that they have now is so priceless" Melchor Amante, RockEd Coordinator said.

Because of MusiKalye’s success this year, our street children became more motivated to pursue their passion and hone their skills. You play an important part in their journey towards growth. Through your help, we can empower more street children and inspire them to build good character and confidence.

Your support will help us in endeavors to raise awareness on the plight of street children and ensure they are able to develop their skills, exercise their duties and responsibilities, and grow up to be caring, passionate, and motivated citizens.

Out with the old, in with the new. In preparation for Childhope Philippines’ 30th founding anniversary, the organization’s classic Mobile Education Van (MEV) gets a new identity through KalyEskwela, having its maiden run this August 2018.

KalyEskwela’s design concept is made possible through the help of BBDO Guerrero, who helped the organization with its advertising campaigns in the past years, including the international award-winning “Chalk” video series, where real-life situations of Metro Manila’s street children are depicted through chalk drawings on the streets.

The van itself is donated by Dell (now Dell EMC) through a grant given to Childhope Philippines in 2015 as part of its Powering the Possible campaign. Since then, the van has served about 500 street children every year, providing an innovative tool for teaching alternative education sessions, basic literacy and numeracy, and computer literacy sessions.

“The new van design catches the children’s eyes and stirs their imagination. It also gives a sense of identity among the organization’s beneficiaries. This is us. This van is a symbol of our strong partnership with stakeholders, and the lasting commitment to continue the work to uplift the welfare of street children in Metro Manila,” said Dr. Herbert Quilon Carpio, Executive Director of Childhope Philippines Foundation, Inc.

Childhope Philippines has continuously enhanced and leveled up to provide the right support to all the partners - educational institutions, corporates, volunteers, families, communities, individuals, and governments - so they can better assist street children to meet the demands of current times.

"As Childhope Philippines approaches its 30th years, we've got more exciting things yet to Unfold. All these for the benefit of the street children. This is merely a glimpse of brighter years ahead," Carpio added.

As Childhope continously innovates and finds ways to assist the street children for the future, it also poses the a challenge to each of us today -- how do you contribute to shaping the future generation? Find out more about the essentials of Street Education and Protection Program and join us our movement. Visit http://childhope.org.ph.

Childhope Philippines Foundation, Inc. is formerly known as Childhope Asia Philippines, Inc. You can check out the Chalk videos on their Youtube channel, HopeOrgPh.

Another festive and jam-packed event for Childhope Philippines in celebrating its 11th year of Hope Sport Festival last May 8 – 12.

About 222 street children filled the halls of the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, wearing their designated uniforms, representing 6 teams, and competing in basketball, volleyball, badminton and futkal (street soccer).

Dubbed as Hope Sports Festival, this yearly tradition is part of the skills development project organized by Childhope Philippines to promote the spirit of teamwork and sportsmanship among its street children beneficiaries. Moreover, the activity aims to develop their sports skills and talents and to teach them important values in pursuing their goals and passions.

The program was kicked off by Ms. Helen Quinto, Childhope’s Assistant Executive Director. In her opening remarks, she reminded the participants that the objective of the team is greater than individual goals, as stated in the project’s core values. She also stressed that the value of success should be for every member of the team, and that although it is a competition, participants should still enjoy the games.

Badminton games were conducted the on the first day of the sports fest. Team Violet (OSMA/ NAIA area) were declared champions and led the game against their opponent Team Red (Ermita/ Kalaw) with a score of 14 – 11. Team Red was declared second place while Team Yellow (Luneta/ Pier area) landed third place.

On the other hand, the much-awaited All-Star Basketball game had an intense competition participated in by selected players from North (Blue Team) areas and South (Orange Team) areas of Metro Manila. The game ended with a score of 54 – 53, where Team North won against its opponent and was declared as champions.

For Volleyball, Team Blue (Lawton/ Morayta), managed to pull away with the win, with the final score 25-19.

For Futkal, Team Yellow (Luneta/ Pier) beat its rival team, 1-0 in a very intense and exciting match.

All winners for this year’s sports fest received medals from Love Radio FM, trophies, and extra prizes like bags from Cartella, and loot bags from Cheil Integrated Marketing. Also, Ms. Lany Macapagal- Manzanilla sponsored the food and snacks for the participants.

The new social worker assigned in some areas where Childhope operates address the psycho-social needs of the children participants.

The social worker in Ermita, Manila conducted an individual counselling to an Educational Assistance Program (EAP) sponsored child for repeated misbehaviours and irregular attendance in classes which nearly terminate her from the educational assistance program. After coordinating with the school and counselling with child’s mother, the child regularly goes to school and no longer misbehave. Social worker still conducts school and home visit to monitor the child’s behavior and academic performance.

Two (2) teenage boys were counselled and referred for Voc. Tach training since they both expressed their interest and willingness to attend the Hotel and Restaurant Services classes. The social worker referred them to Childhope’s Voc. Tech coordinator and regularly visit them to ensure that they attend the daily classes. Fortunately, these boys completed the training and able to pass the competency examination (NC2). The social worker will continuously monitor them on their on-the-job training and refer them for possible employment.

A series of group counselling was conducted by the social worker among the ten (10) teen-age girl children involved in pornography and prostitution reported during the previous reporting period. The topics are: Teen-age Pregnancy, Child Pornography and Prostitution and Positive and Negative Behaviour. At first, the children were hesitant to disclose their insights/feelings, however, because of the social worker’s constant follow-up and monitoring, the children can now openly express what they would like to share.

One sponsored child and his father having relationship problem were counselled by the social worker. Both father and son speak out their sentiments and promised to start all over again. Social worker will help the father find a new job to support his son’s educational and survival needs while the sponsored child promised to study hard to graduate from his college course.

A total of fourteen (14) children were assisted in securing their Birth Registration and late registration application at the National Statistics office. Childhope is still on the process of looking for donors to support the payment for late registration or establish linkage with the local civil registry to address this concern.

Divisoria is home to some of the busiest streets in Metro Manila. It is the go-to place for those looking for clothes, accessories, gadgets, and all sorts of cheap bargains sold in bulk. People flock to the area not only to shop, but also to try out different kinds of food and adventures.

But behind the hustle and bustle of Divisoria lies the grim reality of children living in poverty. Hundreds of homeless children fill the streets --- begging, or working to earn money, to eat and survive. Some take a break from the heat by bathing under a fountain near the Binondo church. Many street girls as young as 13 years old are already mothers, trying their best to take care of their children. If you look more closely, you will see street boys, girls, and even their parents sniffing solvents and other drugs to escape their hunger and desperation. Some of them are also inclined to steal, while most street girls are prone to being victims of prostitution to survive.

Still, there is hope in endeavors to help the poorest children and get them off the streets for good. Some of Divisoria’s street children are participating in Alternative Education sessions and activities conducted by Childhope Asia Philippines. A typical session takes place in an open area or parking lot. Street Educators and Social Workers go to different areas in Divisoria --- Sto. Cristo, Binondo, and around the Divisoria mall --- to gather the street children and facilitate activities among them. At times, the street educator and social worker develop a partnership with a nearby fast-food chain so the sessions may be held there for security purposes.

HARNESSING STREET KIDS’ POTENTIALS

One Saturday afternoon, around 20 street children beneficiaries of Childhope in Divisoria participated in activities conducted at a fast food chain near Divisoria mall. The children, most of them girls, were very excited and eager to participate. They came from different areas in Divisoria, and they brought with them curious minds and hungry hearts.

Twelve-year old Emily (not her real name) was one of them. She was taking the lead, guiding her friends and making sure they followed instructions. The street children were noisy and naughty at times but Emily was in control and was able to pacify them.

Once seated, the street children were asked to behave and wait for food to be distributed. Emily, along with two other children, took charge in giving out the food. The social worker reminded the street children about good manners. One child led the group in prayer.

The street educators, social workers, and interns started with an energizer by encouraging the kids to dance and sing. The street children were all in smiles as they moved to the tunes. Some of them got easily distracted, but they all managed to participate. The street educators and social workers taught the children the song entitled “Welcome to the Family.” They guided the street kids in reading and interpreting each line so they can understand the words.

“Pahalagahan ang pamilya, lagi silang nandyan para tulungan kang maging matibay (Value your family, they are always there to help you to be strong),” said one street child as he was asked to explain his interpretation and understanding of the song.

The street educators and social workers asked and examined the street kids to find out who among them took a bath, brushed their teeth, cleaned their nails, and wore slippers and clothes. The children were motivated to practice cleanliness because the street educators rewarded them with stars stamped on papers.

Street children usually neglect cleanliness because they are used to living in slums, but the social workers encouraged the children to stay healthy through proper hygiene.

“Social workers use a number of approaches to engage and help street children. You really have to know the street children on a deeper level so you can help them effectively. You must have an open mind and lots of patience and understanding,” says Vince, Childhope social worker for the Divisoria area.

CLINGING TO HOPE, ASPIRING AMIDST UNCERTAINTY

These street children in Binondo are achievers in their own right. At first glance, Emily may be your usual young street girl, but a deeper look reveals she has been battling epilepsy. She is taking maintenance medicines provided by her generous donor.

Emily has been a beneficiary of Childhope’s Educational Assistance Program (EAP) and is now at Grade Seven (7). Despite her affliction, she is doing well in school and her extra-curricular activities. She is also a child leader and Junior Health Worker. She helps the street educators by administering First-Aid and encouraging her street children friends to actively participate in the learning sessions.

Jaymar and Ana, also street children in Divisoria, are scholars of Malayan Insurance, a partner of Childhope Philippines who has been supporting the NGO’s programs and services. Through the scholarship, Jaymar and Ana are able to go to formal school. This gets them a step closer to receiving a good education that may be their only ticket out of poverty.

Life for street children in Divisoria continues, and each child has their own story to tell. The street children’s lives are marred by problems, suffering, and abuse. But amidst uncertainty, there is hope --- that through opportunities, street children will be able to learn, to be happy and optimistic in facing challenges, and empowered to do good while helping themselves and their families.

About Project Reports

Project Reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.

If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you will get an e-mail when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports via e-mail without donating.

WARNING: Javascript is currently disabled or is not available in your browser. GlobalGiving makes extensive use of Javascript and will not function properly with Javascript disabled. Please enable Javascript and refresh this page.